The reason I asked this question is because an Iraqi person told me that their food is the same as Persian food, and was very adamant about it!  I really don't know if it is the same or not.  He said they have ghorme sabzi, fesenjoon, etc.! 

that Iraqi person is right Iraqi food and cooking is close or same as  persian food and cooking. but other arab nations are not.

Thanks MasoudK, interesting!  Wouldn't have guessed that!

meemi joon, take it from a guy who spends a copious amount of time in the land of the divine (AKA, Da Kingdom): Their food is similar, but "it just ain't the same"...seriously. We Iranians are "kaaseye daagh tar az aash" in many aspects, except for aash itself! ha ha ha..

BTW, they have a liver dish (don't know the name). Even though I hate liver, I like this dish which goes reall well with fresh out-of-the-oven bread. Just last night I had "arabic Swarma" which is nothing but our good old "saandevich-e morgh"....., or chicken wrap, but they put french fries in the wrap with the morgh...WTF, no?